When were privy purses officially abolished in India?

The correct answer is 1971.

Key Points

• Privy purses were annual payments made to the rulers of erstwhile princely states as part of the integration of these states into the Indian Union post-independence.
• These payments were guaranteed under Articles 291 and 362 of the Indian Constitution to ensure the cooperation of princely states during the process of integration.
• In 1971, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the 26th Amendment to the Constitution of India was enacted, officially abolishing privy purses.
• The 26th Amendment removed Articles 291 and 362 from the Constitution and abolished the recognition of rulers as well as their privileges.
• The move was part of the broader effort to promote equality and eliminate the remnants of feudalism in independent India.

Additional Information

• Privy Purses:
  • Privy purses were monetary allowances given to the rulers of princely states as part of their agreement to join India.
  • The amount varied based on the size, revenue, and status of the princely state.
• 26th Constitutional Amendment:
  • This amendment was passed in 1971 and removed Articles 291 and 362 from the Indian Constitution.
  • It ended the recognition of princely states and abolished all privileges, titles, and privy purses associated with them.
• Significance of Abolition:
  • The abolition of privy purses was seen as a step toward reducing inequality and strengthening the democratic fabric of India.
  • It also marked the end of any feudal privileges and ensured that all citizens were treated equally under the law.
• Integration of Princely States:
  • Post-independence, there were more than 550 princely states in India.
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon played key roles in integrating these states into the Indian Union through diplomacy and negotiation.